YFU FLEX Program Resources

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program was established in 1992 from the conviction of former Senator Bill Bradley that the best way to ensure peace and understanding between the United States and the countries of the former Soviet Union is to enable youth from these countries to learn about the US firsthand, as well as for Americans to learn about Eurasia through interaction with FLEX participants. Today, secondary school students from 17 countries of the former Soviet Union participate in the FLEX program.

FLEX Program Forms

Leadership Opportunities for YFU FLEX Scholars

1. Civic Education Workshop (CEW): A one-week program, held by American Councils and American Civics Center in Washington, D.C. During CEW, students will learn firsthand about the U.S. federal system of government and other important concepts of US culture and civil society through seminar discussions, briefings, and meetings on Capitol Hill.

4. English Language Teaching: This one-week workshop, presented by American Councils in Washington, D.C., will host approximately 28 students. Participants learn classroom teaching and leadership skills. The workshops are focused on developing participants’ abilities to teach English to other youth and to help them qualify for ECA and Embassy supported English programs when they return home. Activities include extensive online pre-program engagement, as well as follow-on support and interaction after the students return home.

5. Better Understanding for a Better World Conference (BUBW): This conference brings together U.S. high school students of diverse backgrounds and international exchange students currently studying in the U.S. YFU FLEX students selected to attend will receive a scholarship which pays for the full conference fee and transportation to Baltimore.

Tentative timeline:January 13: Send your complete application to be received by this date by YFU USA either via 1) email scan to yfugrantscholars@yfu.org; 2) regular mail: YFU USA, Grant Programs Staff, 641 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20001Important: If you do not receive an email confirming receipt of your application, contact Patti Sanderson at psanderson@yfu.org and indicate when and by which method you sent an application.Mid-February: Students notified of acceptance by YFU USANote: The BUBW workshop application will be offered only to YFU FLEX & YES scholars. Approximately 12 of our YFU FLEX & YES scholars will be selected to attend.